The National Clothing Stewardship Scheme in Australia—Seamless—has completed its first phase, the Australian Fashion Council (AFC) has announced.
- On 28 October, the Seamless Transition Advisory Group (TAG) concluded its fourth and final meeting, passing the baton to the new independent not-for-profit stewardship organisation under the oversight of the Board of Directors.
- Seamless is a first of its kind initiative and aims to transform how clothing is made, used and recirculated in Australia to achieve clothing circularity by 2030.
- Since its establishment in June 2023, TAG members have demonstrated remarkable dedication to establishing a new entity in line with the transition plan's first stage, the AFC said.
The milestones: The key achievements of the Seamless TAG to date:
- In what may be a first for any Australian board, Australia’s Clothing Stewardship scheme created a board role for a Guardian of Nature.
- Creating a Product Stewardship Organisation (PSO) with a circularity framework.
- Implementing mechanisms to engage all clothing supply chain actors with the PSO.
- Developing a clear organisational constitution with objectives related to clothing circularity.
- Defining the role of supply chain stakeholders in the organisation's governance.
The advisors: The TAG is made up of Foundation Members of Seamless along with a range of clothing supply chain specialists including NSW Environment Protection Authority, Charitable Recycling Australia, and Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association.
- In November, the newly formed Seamless Board will initiate the selection of an independent Chair, Directors, and the CEO.
- Brands have been encouraged to register their interest to remain up to date with Seamless.
What they said:
The core goal of Seamless is creating a circular clothing industry by 2030, where responsible stewardship and citizenship are embedded across the entire clothing lifecycle.
— Leila Naja Hibri
Chief Executive Officer
Australian Fashion Council
The diverse thinking and thoughtful contributions of all TAG members have resulted in the development of a constitution and the appointment of an executive and governance board where joined-up thinking and action will underpin the delivery of ambitious industry transformation and optimal outcomes for all key stakeholders.
— Rosanna Iacono
Independent Chair
Seamless TAG
